Your Guide to Licking County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Licking County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Licking County, including Newark, the county seat.
Quick answer: Licking County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Newark, it was established in 1808, and it has an estimated 185,564 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Newark
- Established: Mar 1, 1808
- Formed from: Fairfield County
- Named for: Licking River, named for the salt licks in the area, or an English pronunciation of the Lenape word W’li/’ik’/nk meaning “where the flood waters recede”
- Estimated population (2025): 185,564
- Total area: 686.50 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39089
About Licking County
Licking County is located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. At the 2020 census, the population was 178,519. Its county seat is Newark. The act creating Licking County from parts of Fairfield County was passed on January 30, 1808, and the county was organized on March 1, 1808.
It is named after the Licking River, which is thought to be named for the salt licks that were in the area. However, one account explains it as an English pronunciation of the river’s indigenous Delaware name W’li/’ik’/nk, which means “where the flood waters recede”.
Cities and Villages in Licking County
Cities
Heath, Johnstown, New Albany, Newark †, Pataskala, Reynoldsburg
Villages
Alexandria, Buckeye Lake, Granville, Gratiot, Hanover, Hartford, Hebron, Kirkersville, St. Louisville, Utica
Find Local Businesses in Licking County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Licking County. Own a business here? Add your free business listing so local customers can find you.
Background Checks, Process Serving and Private Investigations
Residents and employers in Licking County can get BCI and FBI LiveScan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, process serving and licensed private investigations from these Ohio providers:
- Ohio Security & Investigations, Youngstown: licensed private investigations and fingerprinting. Call (888) 341-6960 or visit ohioinvestigators.com.
- 10-8 Protective Services, Columbus: investigations, fingerprinting and process serving. Call (800) 949-8521 or visit 10-8protectiveservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Licking County, Ohio?
Newark is the county seat of Licking County, Ohio.
When was Licking County established?
Licking County was established on Mar 1, 1808. It was formed from Fairfield County.
Who or what is Licking County named for?
Licking County is named for Licking River, named for the salt licks in the area, or an English pronunciation of the Lenape word W’li/’ik’/nk meaning “where the flood waters recede”.
How many people live in Licking County, Ohio?
Licking County has an estimated population of 185,564 as of 2025.
What cities are in Licking County, Ohio?
Cities in Licking County include Heath, Johnstown, New Albany, Newark †, Pataskala, Reynoldsburg.
Where can I find local businesses in Licking County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Licking County, Ohio.
How do I list my Licking County business on FindItOhio.com?
Visit the free business listing page on FindItOhio.com and submit your business name, address, phone number and website.
Looking for another county? Explore all 88 Ohio counties on FindItOhio.com.
County background adapted from the Wikipedia article Licking County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.